Join Us! Saturday June 24, 2017

You don’t have to be a pro to be a part of Knoxville’s first ever championship cycling weekend. Join Pedal for the Red, a fun ride with an important goal: to support the vital work of the American Red Cross in East Tennessee.

The 2017 USA Cycling Pro National Championships will take place in Knoxville, Tennessee June 24-25. The weekend will kick off with Pedal for the Red, followed by the USA Cycling Pro Time Trials. On June 24, participants of Pedal for the Red will have the unique opportunity to ride the same closed course as the pros. After Pedal for the Red, participants will be able to watch the best cyclists in the country race for the Pro Time Trials national championship. The USA Cycling Pro Road Championships will take place the following day, Sunday, June 25.

By joining the Pedal for the Red, you are supporting the humanitarian relief work of American Red Cross in East Tennessee. It’s an exciting opportunity to ride the same closed course the pros will ride during their USA Cycling Pro Time Trials. No cars, just you and the open road. Join friends, family, co-workers, and everyone who wants to support the compassionate work of the Red Cross.

“The inspiration for Pedal for the Red came from the late Sam Beall. Sam was a family man, proprietor of Blackberry Farm and an avid cyclist. Sam wanted the sport to grow in East Tennessee and he really enjoyed seeing young people and families experiencing this outdoor adventure together.”

Joe Thompson, Red Cross Board

Whether you’re riding or showing support, you can contribute to the American Red Cross through the Pedal for the Red Peer-to-Peer Fundraising campaign. The dollars you raise will provide lifesaving support for people devastated by disasters, offer support to military families and help train people in lifesaving skills like CPR.

How You Can Support the American Red Cross

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a strategy that encourages riders, teams or supporters to set a personal goal and then reach out to their peers: friends, family or co-workers, for donations to help them reach their goal. You can set your own goal or create a team and expand your efforts. 100% of all proceeds from Pedal for the Red peer-to-peer fundraising go directly to support the life-saving work of the American Red Cross in East Tennessee. Even if you don’t ride in Pedal for the Red, you can be part of peer-to-peer fundraising. Every amount raised makes a critical difference.

There are many ways to participate in Pedal for the Red Peer-to-Peer fundraising. Get started here.

TEAM RED - Organize a team. Enlist family and friends or engage co-workers. Create your TEAM RED and set your team’s peer-to-peer goal. Then work together to achieve your goal. Encourage everyone to participate in this fun activity while supporting the American Red Cross in East TN. Team RED peer-to-peer categories are listed below. Everyone who raises $100 or more will receive a Pedal for the Red T-shirt.

TEAM RED: - Minimum peer-to-peer goal: $100

TEAM RED: RIDER - Raise $500 or more*

TEAM RED: CHAMPION - Raise $1,000 or more*

TEAM RED: HERO - Raise $5,000 or more*

TEAM RED: LIFESAVER - Raise $10,000 or more*

* Benefits Coming Soon!

Tips to make your peer to peer fundraising campaign a success!

These tips will help maximize your peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. Now, go the distance!

SHARE IT: During the recent wildfires in Sevier County, TN, the American Red Cross served over 31,300 meals and snacks to community members and first responders.

Remind everyone how their support will provide comfort and relief to victims of disaster.

It’s time for some creative fundraising on social media…use your social media outlets to recruit your support team!

SOCIAL MEDIA TIPS

Time to put your social media skills to work. Raise dollars to support your participation in Pedal for the Red, and thank the great people who are supporting you.

Ask for donations to your fundraising effort in lieu of a birthday gift this year.

Spring is here. Ask for a donation to “spring” you toward your goal.

Use hashtag #PedalForTheRed in all social media posts.

MAY:

Encourage your sponsors to get outdoors. Riding a bike is fun and healthy.

Does your workplace have a “healthy points” program? Encourage them to form a team and contribute to your peer-to-peer efforts. Want to market this event at your business? Contact Melissa.Sykes@redcross.org for more information.

SHARE IT: The Red Cross responds to 66,000 disasters a year – most are home fires.

CONGRATULATIONS! Complete your fundraising commitment. Be proud of your contribution. And whenever you see the Red Cross at work providing relief, comfort and shelter, or support to members of our military and their families, know that you played an important role. Thank you!

7:30 - 9:30 am - Roll up to the starting line and let the fun begin! Ride as many loops as you want until Pedal for the Red ends at 9:30 am.

9:30 am – Cross the finish line. Hop off your bike and enjoy watching the pros ride the USA Cycling National Time Trials. Registered to ride in the Pedal? Don’t forget to bring your Pedal id wrist band for a free pancake breakfast. Location TBD.

10:00 – 10:30am - Amateur Time Trials

10:30 am - USA Cycling National Pro Time Trials

10 am – 5 pm - Explore the EXPO

An exciting, event filled weekend like this requires the work of dedicated volunteers. You can volunteer to help with Pedal for the Red and the USA Cycling Time Trials and Pro Road Championship races. For volunteer opportunities go to www.volunteeretn.org/VISITKNOXVILLE or contact Kristin.Manuel@redcross.org.

CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS IN EAST TENNESSEE

Pedal for the Red is a new event, but the American Red Cross has been serving Tennessee for 100 years! We are proud of our thousands of volunteers, sponsors, partners and donors. You make our work possible.

CELEBRATE the RED Tailgate – Become an American Red Cross Centennial sponsor and enjoy a comfortable, front row seat at the start/finish line for the USA National Pro Women’s and Men’s Championship Road Races on Sunday, June 25..

Corporate sponsorship required to attend. There are numerous benefits for Celebrate the Red sponsors. For more information, contact Lori Marsh.

Yes, all minors under the age of 18 must ride with a parent or legal guardian. Waiver must be completed.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes, all participants must wear a cycling helmet.

What is the Start Time?

Pedal for the Red is 7:30 am - 9:30 am

All cyclists participating in Pedal for the Red should arrive early and plan to start at 7:30 am to allow for maximum time to ride the course.

Participants may start between 7:30 and 8:00 am ONLY if they have already registered and picked up their rider number during one of our pre event pick up times or before 7:30 day of the event.

NO LATE STARTERS AFTER 8:00 am. This allows for course to be clear before the Professional Time Trial.

Thanks for your cooperation and understanding. Go Pedal for the Red!

This is a ride, not a race. What’s the difference?

While we can appreciate a good race around a closed course, racing around the course is not encouraged. This is a family friendly event for all ages and skill levels.

Can I wear a costume?

Yes. Show your spirit and support of the American Red Cross by wearing Red. Be creative and have fun, but most of all, be safe and think about the safety of others.

Where do I park my car?

Although many of the parking areas located in the Old City will be reserved, there are over 15,000 parking spaces with more than 5,500 spaces FREE on weekends and weekday evenings after 6:00 pm in the downtown Knoxville area. Free trolley rides are available as well.

Peer-to-peer fundraising is a strategy that encourages riders, teams or supporters to set a personal goal and then reach out to their peers: friends, family or co-workers, for donations to help them reach their goal. You can set your own goal or create a team and expand your efforts. 100% of all proceeds from Pedal for the Red peer-to-peer fundraising go directly to support the life-saving work of the American Red Cross in East Tennessee. Even if you don’t ride in Pedal for the Red, you can be part of peer-to-peer fundraising. Every amount raised makes a critical difference.

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